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Canada exits World Cup on third straight loss as Morocco profits from poor defending

Dec 1, 2022 | 10:07 AM

DOHA, Qatar — Canada is leaving the World Cup without a point after losing 2-1 to Morocco in its final group stage game.

Canada dug itself an early hole and couldn’t find a way out despite a late surge.

The result leaves Canada winless at the World Cup for the second time in 36 years.

Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri scored for No. 22 Morocco, which took advantage of horrendous Canada defending to lead 2-0 after 23 minutes and clinched top spot in Group F with the win and a 0-0 draw between Belgium and Croatia.

Canada benefited from a Nayef Aguerd own goal to cut the lead to 2-1 at the break.

Canada, appearing at its second World Cup and first since 1986, was already eliminated from knockout-stage contention after losses to Belgium and Croatia.

 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 1, 2022

The Canadian Press